Priority Broadcast Alert – Europe and the Mediterranean

UPDATE01: Russian forces conducted an airstrike on the port of Odesa, Ukraine. Ukrainian officials confirmed that two Iskander-M missiles struck the port, resulting in multiple casualties and damage to port infrastructure. Ambrey assessed this to be the first direct attack on a Ukrainian port since the unofficial ceasefire on 25 March, marking a significant escalation and indicating the end of the Black Sea ceasefire deal. Ambrey reviewed satellite imagery dated 21 May, indicating that five merchant vessels were moored at the port at the time. Ambrey will provide updates when available.

Russian forces launched an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attack on the port city of Odesa, Ukraine. Air raid sirens were activated at 05:20 UTC on 23 May and reports of UAVs heading towards the city were reported at 05:51 UTC. At the time of writing, no damage to port infrastructure or merchant vessels was reported. Explosions were reported in Odesa at 06:00 UTC. No merchant vessels were observed in the Gulf of Odesa at the time of the incident; however, Ambrey is aware that merchant vessels had been withholding their AIS signal when calling Ukrainian ports and transiting its waters.
ADVICE: Vessels conducting Black Sea port calls are advised to conduct comprehensive dynamic voyage threat assessments. The crew is advised to remain within the designated Safe Muster Point (SMP) during UAV attacks on infrastructure. The SMP should be located above the waterline, amidships, and low-down in the superstructure.